Story Ideas

Story Ideas

The World Is Taking Notice

A writer’s job is to tell great stories, and a ‘business’ writer’s job is no different. Scouring familiar and unfamiliar territory for something worthwhile to write about is a tough gig. But Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. (EDW) can make it easier for you to find newsworthy subjects to share with your target audience, regardless of your specialty area.

Winnipeg has enjoyed an exciting economic renaissance in recent years, so it’s no surprise we’re a place brimming with one-of-a-kind story ideas that celebrate the vitality of our business and investment environment—ideas we believe have genuine national and international appeal. Where are Canada’s two Containment Level 4 laboratories? Winnipeg. Where is Canada’s only tri-modal inland port and the only one with foreign trade zone benefits? Winnipeg. Where do engines powering the planes of aerospace powerhouses like Boeing, Airbus and Bombardier get tested? Winnipeg. And the list goes on.

The world is taking notice of our city in unprecedented ways, and I want to ensure you’re granted an insider’s take on everything happening here. Each of the 11 brief pitches presented in this inaugural edition of Angles + Insights provides plenty of fodder for figuring out how your own story could evolve. Highlighted topics reflect carefully chosen examples of economic-development successes designed to appeal to broader audiences hailing from diverse locales. Whatever your area of interest—aerospace, life science, downtown revitalization, international trade, energy conservation, etc.—there’s a fresh perspective waiting for you to claim as your own.

I encourage business journalists working within various disciplines (e.g., columnists, freelance writers, radio and television broadcasters/producers) throughout North America and beyond to become acquainted with the various pitches that follow. When you see something that piques your interest, contact me so I can connect you with the applicable stakeholders—from business leaders and politicians to community advocates and academic trailblazers—eager to help shape your story to its best possible advantage.

From almost every angle, Winnipeg is alive with opportunity. Get in on the action today by creating a unique story from an array of subjects stirring up quite a commotion around here. Go ahead and tell it like you see it.

What’s Happening Here?

After considering the following topics, we’re convinced you’ll find something that really resonates with the kinds of stories you want to tell.

CentreVenture Development Corp.: Downtown Winnipeg on the Rise
A task force was created in 1999 to assess what could be done to encourage Winnipeg's future growth. Part of its recommendation was to create a downtown development authority equipped with the necessary resources required to regenerate downtown. In response, CentreVenture Development Corporation was created, charged with the lofty mandate of stimulating downtown revitalization.

Top Marks for the University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg (UWinnipeg) is making sizeable contributions to the local economy these days. Increases in student enrolment, new undergraduate and master’s programming, and $217 million in infrastructure investments is helping to anchor a downtown renaissance.

From Idea to Implementation at Canada’s Biggest Makerspace
Winnipeg’s first-ever makerspace—a shared space where people can come together and collaborate while sharing tools, resources and knowledge—AssentWorks is experiencing continued growth thanks to its ability to nurture untapped skilled labour pools and retain talent in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg’s Winning Bet on Biocomposites Yields Windfalls
The Composites Innovation Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies set to forever alter the future of composites engineering.

The Art of Business Meets the Business of Art in the Exchange District
In partnership with Manitoba Music, the Arts and Cultural Industries Association of Manitoba (ACI) has established a centre for creative entrepreneurship in the heart of Winnipeg’s Exchange District, connecting people across Manitoba’s creative industries sector to support professional development and business success.

Culture and Commerce Converge at The Forks
Few would recognize The Forks from its days as a CN rail yard 30 years ago. Today, The Forks attracts more than four million visitors annually as a restaurant, shopping and entertainment destination.

Making the Grade at Winnipeg’s New Cold-Weather Testing Facility
StandardAero recently partnered with General Electric in establishing the GE Aviation Engine Testing Research & Development Centre. Recognized in 2012 with a Canadian American Business Achievement Award, GE designed and built the $50-million, 120,000-square-foot facility situated at the northwest outskirts of the airport runways.

French Fries as Fuel? How The Forks Feeds Economic Growth
The Forks remains progressive in its thinking, thanks to an impressive initiative well underway called “Target Zero,” which aims to achieve zero garbage output, zero water consumption and zero carbon emissions via its intensive recycling efforts. Results to date have been nothing short of remarkable.

Winnipeg’s Evolution from ‘City with an Airport’ to ‘Airport City’
Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc. (WAA) is the community-based, non-share capital corporation that oversees day-to-day operations of the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport. Since opening, Winnipeg’s new airport has attracted international attention for its welcoming design, continued growth and improvements to customer service.

Leading-Edge Science Earns Accolades for Winnipeg-Based National Microbiology Laboratory
The National Microbiology Laboratory is a one-of-a-kind institution in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, owned and operated by the Government of Canada. The scientific teams at the helm of the facility are considered world-renowned authorities within their respective fields.

Tri-Modal Transportation Assets Attract Diverse Businesses to CentrePort Canada
Spanning 20,000 acres, CentrePort Canada is one of North America’s largest inland ports and foreign trade zones, offering direct access to tri-modal transportation that includes rail, truck and air cargo.

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Winnipeg is one of only two Canadian cities with three Class 1 railways (CN, CP and BNSF).

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Over 5,800 transportation and distribution establishments exist in Winnipeg, employing more than 45,000 people.

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Winnipeg is the most cost-effective city for aerospace manufacturing in Western Canada and the U.S. Midwest (KPMG's Competitive Alternatives, 2016).